A former British soldier charged with terrorism offenses and suspected of espionage, Daniel Khalife, was arrested in London on Saturday, three days after escaping from prison, police in the British capital said.
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“Metropolitan Police officers have arrested Daniel Khalife, who escaped from Wandsworth Prison on September 6,” police said on the social network X (formerly Twitter).
He was arrested shortly before 11am in an area of west London where his presence had been reported and is in police custody, Scotland Yard said.
AFP
Investigators suspect he escaped by tying himself to a van.
His arrest ended a three-day manhunt for him.
Speaking on British television from the G20 summit in India, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak welcomed the news and thanked the police for their “tremendous work” and the “public for their help”.
The 21-year-old is suspected of gathering information that could be used by terrorists or enemies of the United Kingdom. According to several media outlets, including the BBC, he is suspected of acting on behalf of Iran.
This escape caused astonishment and raised questions about the security of the prison system.
Daniel Khalife escaped by clinging to a truck delivering a delivery to the prison kitchen where he worked. Belts were found underneath the vehicle, indicating he was restrained by them.
The leak was “apparently prepared in advance,” London Police Chief Mark Rowley said on Friday.
Daniel Khalife is charged with offenses that took place at a Royal Air Force base in Strafford, central England, in January and August 2021.
He is accused of obtaining or attempting to obtain information “about a person who was or was a member of the British Army” “which was likely to be used by a person committing or preparing a terrorist attack.”
He also faces criminal charges for making a false bomb threat on January 2nd. He was discharged from the army in May.
He denies the allegations made against him.